The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-12
MoLL1E GARF1ELD,s CHOICE.
An Ideal Union Which Her Father May Hav
Anticipated and Blessed.

Anticipated and Blessed.
Washington Letter.
There is a little house on Massachusetts aven-
ne, near the statue of General Thomas in which
lives carpenter. who has a shop in the of
his residence, and his sign bears the name of
Brown. He had son, who went to the schools
at Washington, and graduated attic High-school
with honors. When he had finished his educa-
ton he studied stenography, and became per-
feet writer. Then he got notion of entering
upon a scientific career, and went to Major Pow
ell the superintendent of the Geological Survey,
and asked for position. He told his story, and
Powell, who is always interested in bright young
men. gave him an appointment, and finally took
him to be his private secretary.
One day Gen. Garfield, calling at the Office of
Maior Powell. asked if the latter did not know
of shorthand writer he could employ to assist
him evenings at his house with his correspond
ence The Major recommended young Brown,
then boy of twenty. This year
previous to the Republican convention of 1880.
From that time on Stanley Brown went to the
residence of Gen. Garfield every evening to
ceive dictation and during tho day worked at
his duties at the Office of the Geological Survey.
When Garfield was nominated At Chicago one
of the first things he did was to send
telegram to Major Powell, asking him to
was in New Mexico with party of ex-
plorers from the survey, and telegram
was sent to the nearest military post, directing
that a courier be sent out at once to call him IT,
AS soon the message reached him, Brown
saddled his horse, and starting for the nearest
railroad station, took the train for the east and
reached mentor weeks
Adjournment of the convention.
Previous to the election Brown remained at
Mentor, and wrote all of Garield's correspond
ence for him. When the President-elect came
to Washington to be inaugurated Brown came
with him, and was installed at the White House
az private secretary to the President. with sal
airy of So 500 year-the youngest man ever
signed to that duty, for he was just past twenty
two years of age When Garfield died President
Arthur brought his own secretary from Now
York and Brown retired to take position in
clearinghouse in Washington, but the business
was not to his taste, and he soon resumed his old
desk in the Geological Survey. There he re-
manned til! year or two ago, when he decided
to take a scientific course of instruction. and en-
tered Sheffield School, at Yale, where he is still a
student
For his young amanuensis Gen. Garfield had
q deep affection. The careers OF the two were
so much alike that the President used to say
that with Brown he lived his boyhood
long walks together, the statesmen stirring the
ambition of the young man, and teaching him
valuable lessons, for Garfield was greatest as a
teacher.
Under these circumstances it is not surprising
that the sympathetic heart of the Presidents
almost idolatry, should unconsciously warm to-
ward young Brown, thus distinguished by her
fathers interest. or that he should eagerly seek
the companionship of one whose womanly SYM
pathy was so grateful to Young man, ambitious
and struggling to gain position in the world,
and whose studious habits cut him off largely
from the society of young ladies' Mollie Gar
field. at the death Of her father, was just bud
ding into womanhood, being probably fifteen
years of age and his tragic death cemented still
man who was, to her mind. typical of her hon.
ored parent Probably Garfield anticipated this
union and there is doubt were he alive, it
would have his blessing.